Impact of Print Pollution on the Health of Workers in Printing Industries of India

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to assess the impact of print pollutions on the worker health, various waste produced, and its solutions, while performing various operations in printing industries. Methods: This study was conducted among the workers from four preidentified gravure and flexography printing industries, India. Data were collected by direct interview using a structured questionnaire and with the help of other measuring instruments. Workers (120) were participated in the study, to assess the effect of printing pollution on their health. Results: Maximum noise level at prepress, press, and postpress areas among preidentified printing industries was in between the range of 65.85 ± 4.87, 86.36 ± 1.12, and 83.3 ± 1.63, respectively. An OSHA regulation in Indian printing industries is valid; as most of the plants operate 8 h/day and 7 day/week, i.e., exposure time is 56 h/week, which is 28.57% higher than the exposure time per week in the USA or European countries. Maximum volatile organic compounds concentration at prepress, press, and postpress areas among preidentified printing industries were in between the range of 69.6 ± 4.41, 99.9 ± 1.62, and 0.49 ± 0.12, respectively. Various materials waste produced from the selected industries were in between the range, substrate (0.66%–1%), solvent (18.6%–20%), ink (0.62%–1%), and clothes (80%–90%). Health impacts found during the exposure of print pollutions among workers (120 no’s) of the industries were 70% eye irritation, 56.7% occupational noise exposure, and 45% skin allergy. Conclusion: The prevalence of eye irritation, occupational noise exposure, and skin allergy problems was observed more among gravure and flexography printing industries workers. Exposure to ink and solvents used for machine cleaning represents the greatest concern to the printing industry.